Title: A review of biomechanics in automotive safety

Authors: Paul G. Bedewi

Addresses: Technical Specialist, Safety Research and Development, Ford Motor Company, 20000 Rotunda, P.O. Box 2053, MD 21 15, Rrn. 2621, SRL, Dearborn, MI 48121, USA

Abstract: The influence of biomechanical considerations in transportation safety applications has been reviewed. In the past half century, the study of a human|s mechanical response to impact has led to numerous advances that have greatly improved the safety of today|s transportation devices. This includes: the development of human surrogates for testing and safety assessment; the formulation of injury metrics, injury classifications, and injury risk probabilities; the mechanical characterisation of biological systems; and the understanding of injury and mechanisms of trauma. Each of these areas is discussed with respect to its biomechanical relevance.

Keywords: biomechanics; impact; injury; vehicle safety; occupant protection; crashworthiness; crash safety.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2001.005215

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2001 Vol.26 No.4, pp.407 - 429

Published online: 11 Sep 2004 *

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